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Contents

Held every other year, the unique event sees 24 teams from 23 different nations (as hosts, China have two) compete for the biggest prize in pairs snooker.

Each nation is represented by two of their highest ranked players and will contest a mixture of singles and pairs matches throughout the early rounds.

The teams are divided into four groups of six, with each team to contest five matches in the group stages. The top two teams in each group then qualify for the knock-out stages.

China B are the reigning champions after teenagers Zhou Yuelong and Yan Bingtao announced themselves to the world two years ago – beating the experienced Scottish pairing of John Higgins and Stephen Maguire 4-1 in the final – and they will be aiming to launch a decent defence of their title in 2017.

They are joined by Ding Junhui and Liang Wenbo, who reunite for China A once again and are searching for a second title after lifting the trophy in 2011, while it is all change for England with Judd Trump and Barry Hawkins both making their debuts in the event with world number one Mark Selby currently injured.

Hong Kong remain unchanged with world number six Marco Fu joined by 47-year-old Au Chi Wai once again, as do the Republic of Ireland pair of Fergal O’Brien and former World champion Ken Doherty and Brazil’s Igor Figueiredo and Itaro Santos.

Elsewhere, Higgins will be aiming to go one step better with Scotland alongside Anthony McGill, who makes his debut, while Australia’s Neil Robertson is joined by Kurt Dunham and Ryan Day partners Mark Williams for Wales.

Mark Allen is also looking to go the extra step after reaching the 2011 final with Northern Ireland. The Pistol is joined by Joe Swail on his return to the event, as Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and Noppon Saengkham team up for Thailand.

The tournament runs from July 3-9 at the Wuxi City Sports Park Stadium in China.